MET LARP SRD

For centuries, improving their skills and mastering the arts of the dead drove the more magically minded of the Giovanni family. Over time, they came to understand that, if manipulated properly, wraiths are more than just tortured souls; they are sources of nearly unlimited knowledge and power. Of course, this knowledge was fiercely guarded and taught only to the most talented of necromancers. With the knowledge found in the Path of Soul Bonding, you have learned how to manipulate and utilize wraiths, drawing on them to power Necromantic rituals, to gain knowledge, and even to alter weapons and other objects.

Dark Vessels and Deathly Devices: The Path of Soul Bonding allows a Necromancer to create Dark Vessels and Deathly Devices. Dark Vessels are small, fist-sized trinkets or jewelry (non-equipment items) that contain the trapped soul of a wraith. With a simple action a Dark Vessel can be broken to release a variety of effects as described below. Deathly Devices are pieces of equipment, armor, or weapons that are augmented by the trapped soul of a wraith. The augmentations a necromancer can utilize are described below. In addition, and as explained below, there are a number of base characteristics that are always true of Dark Vessels and Deathly Devices.

Although the wraith is trapped when placed in a Dark Vessel or Deathly Device, her presence still permeates the area 1 step around the item. Characters unfamiliar with Necromancy often feel unease and dread when within 1 step of the Dark Vessel or Deadly Device or when touching it. Characters who possess the Medium merit can hear the wraith in her captivity, often wailing, asking for mercy, or trying to negotiate freedom. Most necromancers elect to store their Dark Vessels in a safe location until they are needed, although more than one has surreptitiously given a Dark Vessel to an unwitting victim in hopes that it will drive them mad.

Bound wraiths can sense the immediate surroundings of the object they occupy but cannot communicate with the mundane world. They may not use any skills or powers unless freed. These bindings persist for 6 months, minus the Stock NPC or Retainer level of the wraith. You may elect to renew the binding by spending the Blood cost once more. Renewing the effect in this manner does not require possession of the item. If the binding is allowed to naturally fade, you must begin the process anew by gaining control of a wraith and having the item in question in your possession. Necromancers who possess at least 1 dot in this Path can safely release a bound wraith by spending a simple action. While bound to a Dark Vessel or Deathly Device the wraith is considered a controlled wraith for the purposes of the Sepulchre Path power Summon Soul. Because the wraith is already bound to a Dark Vessel or Deathly Device, the wraith cannot be bound to a different location with the Sepulchre Path power Bind Soul. Unless explicitly stated, other powers or rituals such as Spirit Beacon that affect wraiths do not affect wraiths bound to Dark Vessels or Deathly devices.

When a wraith is released, it is immediately returned to the Shadowlands. Wraiths who are not generously compensated for their time and emotional energy tend to hold a grudge against the necromancer who bound them. If the object housing the wraith is destroyed, the wraith immediately enters a Harrowing. Wraiths are creatures of pure entropic energy; entities that exist trapped in the Shadowlands. A talented necromancer can harness this energy to power blood magic and wreak havoc in the living world. With this power, you manipulate the energy of wraiths, binding them into objects to store for future use.

“What separates us from the Ventrue and Lasombra? I'd be happy to explain. While the Ventrue were born to rule and the Lasombra rule the born, we Giovanni lord over the dead and there are far more dead than either could ever rule combined.” — Enzo Giovanni